British Muslim preacher Anjem Choudary, 57, has been sentenced to life in prison for directing the banned terrorist organisation al-Muhajiroun (ALM). The sentencing took place at Woolwich Crown Court in London, where Judge Mark Wall delivered the verdict. Choudary will serve a minimum of 28 years before being eligible for parole.
Role of al-Muhajiroun
Choudary was convicted of leading ALM, a group banned over a decade ago due to its involvement in promoting terrorism. Judge Wall highlighted that organisations like ALM “normalise violence in support of an ideological cause” through online meetings, fostering environments that encourage individuals to commit acts of terror. Wall noted that such groups “drive wedges between people who otherwise could and would live together in peaceful coexistence.”
Read More: Shabana Mahmood Becomes UK’s First Muslim Woman Lord Chancellor
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutor Tom Little explained that Choudary assumed the role of “caretaker emir” of ALM after its original leader, Omar Bakri Mohammed, was jailed in Lebanon in 2014. Choudary’s activities included directing ALM and encouraging support for the group through online lectures and interactions with followers based in New York. Evidence was gathered through a collaborative international investigation involving police forces from the UK, US, and Canada.
International Collaboration
The investigation, a joint effort by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), MI5, the New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), was pivotal in securing Choudary’s conviction. Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, commended the collaborative effort, stating that the convictions resulted from “truly remarkable work” by law enforcement agencies across the UK, US, and Canada. He emphasized that these efforts have significantly enhanced public safety.
Choudary’s History and Influence
Choudary, who has a long history of radical activities, was previously imprisoned in 2016 for encouraging support for ISIL (ISIS) and was released in 2018 after serving half of his five-and-a-half-year sentence. The ALM, emerging in the late 1990s, has been linked to numerous terrorist attacks both domestically and internationally. During the trial, evidence presented included recordings of Choudary discussing ALM activities with his wife and Bakri, affirming his leadership role in the organisation.
Co-Conspirator Sentenced
Khaled Hussein, 29, of Edmonton, Canada, was convicted alongside Choudary for membership in a proscribed organisation. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Hussein was described as a dedicated supporter who assisted Choudary in hosting online lectures and managing extremist online content. His arrest in London, upon arrival from Canada, marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
Read More: UK finances worst since 1945 – new chancellor
Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland of the RCMP highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating online extremism and radicalisation. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner highlighted the historic nature of the case, noting Choudary’s extensive influence in radicalising individuals worldwide. The case exemplifies the necessity of cross-border collaboration to address the threats posed by extremist groups.